Four Day Homer Itinerary

Nestled at the end of the Sterling Highway on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is a charming seaside town that offers an eclectic mix of art, culture, outdoor adventure, and sweeping mountain views. A visit to Homer is a chance to experience its quirky personality and gorgeous surroundings, making it ideal for a three- to four-day trip. Whether you’re strolling along the Homer Spit, exploring Russian Orthodox villages, taking in local art, or venturing into Kachemak Bay, there’s a little something for everyone. Here’s how you can make the most of your time.

Day 1: Homer Spit & Downtown Homer

Start your journey on the Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile long natural strip of land that juts into the navy blue waters of Kachemak Bay. The Spit is home to cute seaside shops selling locally crafted art, jewelry, and souvenirs. You’re also likely to see commercial and charter fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch, as well as bald eagles hoping for their share.

For a slice of Homer’s quirky character, quench your thirst at the Salty Dawg Saloon, an historic and iconic watering hole famous for its sawdust floors and walls covered in dollar bills. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Homer’s vibrant art and history by visiting its many galleries and museums. Some of your options include:

• Bunnell Street Arts Center and Ptarmigan Arts Cooperative Gallery, both showcasing the works of talented Alaskan artists.
• Pratt Museum, an interdisciplinary museum that provides insight into Homer’s cultural history, marine life, and the lives of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples, all through stories relevant to Kachemak Bay. Be sure to walk the whimsical forest trail. 
• Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, the headquarters of the vast Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, featuring interactive exhibits about marine ecosystems, migratory birds, and the natural history of the area. It’s great for kids. 

Finally, wrap up your day with a meal at one of Homer’s renowned restaurants, where you can savor freshly caught seafood. 

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Day 2: Across the Bay

On day two, venture across Kachemak Bay, rich with wildlife and surrounded by dramatic mountain and glacier views. Take a water taxi or guided tour to explore the Bay’s sparkling gems:

• Visit Halibut Cove, a picturesque community accessible only by boat, and enjoy art galleries as well as gourmet seafood dining at The Saltry (open in summer only). There’s a local private ferry, the Danny J, that can deliver you to this little cove. 
• For outdoor enthusiasts, the Grewingk Glacier Trail offers an easy hike to stunning views of glaciers, alpine landscapes, and a lake bobbing with icebergs; a water taxi can get you here. 
• Another way to explore the Bay is to take a ferry ride to Seldovia, a charming fishing and canning village with a rich Alaska Native and Russian history. Stroll along its historic boardwalk, explore small shops, and take in the laid-back atmosphere. You can take a seaside hike along the Otterbahn Trail, looking for sea lions and seals out in the Bay. 

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Day 3: Around Homer: Russian Villages & East End Road

Several Russian Old Believer villages are dotted around the Homer area. Most don’t have any tourist infrastructure, but in Nikolaevsk, you can book ahead with Nina at the old Samovar Café for a tea service and Russian treats in a traditional setting. 

In the afternoon, drive to the “end of the road” down East End Road. Take time to appreciate the serene views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding wilderness, including the bright pink fireweed which seem to glow in the ethereal summer light. It’s a perfect drive for photography and quiet reflection.

After a day of exploration, relax in one of Homer’s cozy cabins or charming bed-and-breakfasts. Homer’s lodging options are often family-run, offering a warm and personal touch.

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Day 4: Out on the Bay

Homer is called the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” for good reason, and no trip would be complete without a fishing charter here. Spend the day with experienced local guides who will help you reel in halibut, salmon, or rockfish, depending on the season. Charter companies offer a range of fishing experiences.

If fishing isn’t your thing, consider a wildlife or sightseeing cruise instead, where you might spot whales, sea otters, puffins, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Many boats pass by a teeming rookery, where you can see thousands of seabirds. 

For dinner, have Captain Pattie’s cook up your catch for a delicious dinner; it’s one restaurant that will prepare your freshly caught fish for you, providing the ultimate “ocean-to-table” experience.

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